The plans for the newly-opened Brooklyn Bridge Park included a 150-room hotel and two 30-story to 40-story condos buildings, which planners say were necessary to make the project pencil out. As construction nears, some locals are upset at the plans.
With tensions mounting over the condos, a study was undertaken to determine whether the park could survive without the added revenue of the condos and hotel. Without the new development, the project would require $16 million in additional funding, which the report concluded wasn't possible:
"The report came out on February 22 and the alternatives included establishing a Park Improvement District. Other options included fee-based recreation and event facilities, concessions, commercial real estate, sponsorships, increased parking revenues, and grants. The report said the alternative options could bring in about $2.5 million to $7 million, far short of the $16 million needed."
FULL STORY: Bad Implants in Brooklyn

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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